Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

Spelman College, the historically Black educational institution for women in Atlanta, received a $2 million grant from the Karsh Family Foundation. The grant will provide a scholarship fund to support graduates of Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) schools, a national network of college-preparatory, public charter schools.

Historically Black North Carolina Central University in Durham received a $100,000 grant from the Leon Levine Foundation to support the Aspiring Eagles Academy. The academy is a summer bridge program aiming to better prepare students for the academic rigors of college.

Fisk University, the historically Black educational institution in Nashville, Tennessee, received a $1 million donation from Robert W. North, a member of the board of trustees and a former executive for Pfizer Inc. The funds will be used for scholarships and financial aid.

Tougaloo College, the historically Black educational institution in Mississippi, received a $272,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to support the production of a documentary film on civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. A corresponding curriculum for K-12 schools will be developed for use in connection with the film.

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Professional sports teams have discontinued playing Kate Smith’s version of “God Bless America” at games due to her recording of songs in the 1930s that contained racist lyrics. Which statement best reflects your view?

I agree that Smith’s version of “God Bless America” should not be played.

Smith’s recordings with racist lyrics should be considered in context of the times.

Abraham Lincoln made racist comments, should we ban the reciting of the Gettysburg Address?